Our Team

Katherine Karges has been designing and creating inspiring gardens for LA's most discriminating clients since 1998. For over ten years Katherine has been working with Stout Design Build Clients to see their dream homes and gardens a reality. Walking them through the process and adding unique features that will make their living space exclusive and inviting.

Whether you are seeking a tranquil healing retreat, a modern or sustainable space, a respite from city life, or an elegant indoor-outdoor space for entertaining, Katherine and her conscientious, dedicated team member who will transform your home into a living work of art.

Jacky Surber has been designing gorgeous, innovative landscapes for 10 years. With a background in farming, a BA in Environmental studies from UCSB and a Permaculture Design Certificate, she carefully considers the needs of the client, the existing site conditions, and the impact on the earth, in order to create a unique design that will truly thrive and look beautiful for years to come.

A Certified Landscape Professional with G3 since 2009 Jacky is adept at implementing the Watershed Approach to garden design, crafting gardens that conserve and retain water, are permeable to air and rain, sequester carbon and provide wildlife habitat. She studies current regenerative methods, attending garden tours, conferences and lectures on a regular basis and learns from nature first hand, spending her free time hiking and wild flower hunting. With an in depth knowledge of sustainability and plants she helps the SDB team bring landscapes to life.

Jennifer (Marketing and Office Management) is passionate about nature, has a double major in Psychology and Social Science from Northwestern College. Her background is as a Director of a day program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

Tom Stout After graduating from Kansas State University in 1996, Tom started Stout Landscaping. Tom has transformed the company into Stout Design Build a start to finish design build company. Creating beautiful, sustainable, and functional interior and exterior projects.

Being a licensed contractor, Tom brings a professional knowledge and expertise to each environment creating magical living spaces. In 1996, he began designing and building landscapes, and has been building and renovating homes in the Los Angeles area since 2006. The Stout team specializes in a fusion of form, function, and sustainability. He prides himself on attention to detail, timely and on budget completion.

Edgar Hannibal is an east coast native with a desire to create memorable landscapes in Southern California. After graduating from West Virginia University with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture Edgar spent 2 years developing projects for a number of high-end residences, commercial landscapes, and institutions in New England.

Edgar works closely with other designers to create ideal, getaway paradises right at the client’s doorstep. Edgar is very detail oriented and has an eye for generating harmonious, picturesque landscapes.

Ana (Administrative Assistant) has a BA from Cal State Northridge in Liberal Studies. She is the kind and helpful person who you will talk to and help you start on your path to She has over four year experience working in a landscape and design offices. She is bi-lingual (Spanish & English).

Growing up Ana had family in the landscaping industry and she has always found the field intriguing.

Gabrielle Fladd is a landscape architect and ecological designer with 15-years of experience in the design and construction of sustainable landscapes.

She holds a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York, School of Environmental Studies & Forestry and a Master Degree in Regenerative Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. She is a LEED and ARCSA accredited professional.

Janine Johnson Has a degree in Interior Design from University of NC. Janine has worked at Landscape Architecture Magazine and INTERIORS. Janine is passionate about creating not only luxurious outdoor spaces but also Kitchen and bathroom remodels. She desires to create with her clients a space that is elegant, functional, and luxurious.

In addition to having a passion for creating elegant living spaces indoor and out, Janine enjoys adding a touch of her specialty, floral and succulent design.

Hana holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the UCLA, as well as a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from USC. Before joining the Stout team, she worked for the City of LA, Rec. and Parks Department where she developed an understanding for the importance of protecting, restoring, and maintaining natural resources.